April 4, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs running back
Brashard Smith remains in the No. 3 spot on the depth chart as the 2026 offseason moves along. With Isaiah Pacheco and
Kareem Hunt departing in free agency, it seemed like there would be an opportunity for Smith to step into a much larger role this offseason. However, the Chiefs had other plans, signing
Kenneth Walker III to be their every-down back and
Emari Demercado to occupy the backup role. There's a slim chance that Smith could pass Demercado on the depth chart, but the latter has a much stronger track record with 819 rushing yards and 324 receiving yards (relative to Smith's 151 rushing yards and 172 receiving yards as a rookie last season). The most likely path to fantasy relevance for Smith would probably be an injury to Walker. If Walker misses time, Demercado would presumably lead the backfield, but not in an every-down role. There would be plenty of opportunities for Smith to get involved, especially in the passing game. Smith could have been an intriguing buy-low candidate in dynasty leagues if he jumped to No. 2 on the depth chart this offseason, but since he's still nestled into the No. 3 role (and could face additional competition via the NFL Draft), he's merely a hold for now.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
April 4, 2026
The Philadelphia Eagles and quarterback
Jalen Hurts are both cognizant of the fact that he's entering the final guaranteed year of his contract, according to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Hurts still has three years left on the extension he signed back in 2023, but only one more year is guaranteed. As McLane notes, it's common for teams and players in this situation to restructure the deal to add more years and guaranteed money, in exchange for lower annual value. However, the Eagles and Hurts have no plans to change his deal, and they'll let him enter 2026 on his current contract. That puts added pressure on him for 2026, since he has no guaranteed money beyond this season. With that being said, the Eagles would still take on a significant cap penalty if they were to take action (trade or release Hurts) next offseason. All the chatter about Hurts' future stems from his rushing production taking a step back in 2025. He was still productive, but his rushing yards and touchdowns dropped to the lowest mark since his rookie campaign in 2021. He was the QB8 in fantasy football, which tied for his worst finish since 2022. A little bit of pressure -- plus a new offensive system under
Sean Mannion -- could allow Hurts to bounce back as a top-five fantasy quarterback next year.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jeff McLane
April 4, 2026
Cleveland Guardians outfielder
Chase DeLauter went 3-for-4 with a pair of singles and a two-run homer during Friday's win over the Chicago Cubs. He finished the game with three RBI, bringing his season total to eight. DeLauter has appeared in seven games this season, slashing .346/.370/.923 with a whopping five home runs and 266 wRC+. If there's been any hole in his game, it's plate discipline, as he owns a 3.7% walk rate and 25.9% strikeout rate so far. Still, those numbers are somewhat forgivable when you have a player like DeLauter, who is averaging a home run every 5.2 at-bats and is tied for the league lead in dingers. At this point, the 24-year-old rookie has cemented himself in must-start territory for fantasy baseball. As long as he continues to mash the baseball, he should find his way into your fantasy lineups.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
April 4, 2026
San Francisco Giants relief pitcher
Jose Butto (right arm fatigue) was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right arm after exiting Wednesday's game with discomfort, according to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports. He has been placed on the 15-day injured list, and he underwent a procedure to remove the blood clot on Friday. The 28-year-old right-hander has allowed five earned runs over two innings (three appearances) this season. He has surrendered two homers and four walks while striking out five batters. It's been an uncharacteristically poor start to the year for Butto, who was projected to be a setup candidate in the Giants' bullpen after posting a 3.70 FIP last season. He'll be eligible to return from the injured list as early as April 17.
--Andersen PickardSource: Alex Pavlovic
April 4, 2026
Seattle Mariners third baseman
Brendan Donovan (leg) exited after landing awkwardly while trying to beat out a throw at first base in the seventh inning of Friday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. Manager Dan Wilson told Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times that Donovan had discomfort "somewhere in his leg" and will be re-evaluated on Saturday. It's too early to tell whether the third baseman will be in the starting lineup for Saturday evening's contest against the Halos, but it sounds like there's at least a chance he needs some time off. That would be unfortunate news for the Mariners and Donovan, who is slashing .370/.485/.667 with two home runs, four RBI, a 12.1% walk rate, and 18.2% strikeout rate, and 237 wRC+ through eight games. If he's forced to miss any time,
Leo Rivas could get into the lineup on a more consistent basis.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ryan Divish
April 4, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher
Gavin Stone (right shoulder inflammation) began his throwing program on Friday, according to the team's injury tracker on MLB.com. Now that Stone has resumed throwing, he essentially has a full spring training ramp-up ahead of him. The 27-year-old is working his way back from right shoulder surgery, which sidelined him for the entire 2025 season. He last pitched in 2024, when he made 25 starts with a 3.97 xERA, 7.44 K/9, and 2.37 BB/9. Stone can be a fantasy option when healthy, but for now, he needs to ramp up and prove that he deserves a spot in the Dodgers' extremely crowded rotation. Given that Stone is on the 60-day injured list, he won't be eligible to return until May 21, at the earliest.
--Andersen PickardSource: MLB.com
April 4, 2026
New York Mets outfielder
Juan Soto (calf) is scheduled to undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the calf injury he suffered on Friday against the San Francisco Giants, according to John Harper of SNY. Manager
Carlos Mendoza admitted that he was "concerned" about the 27-year-old's injury but would wait for the MRI results before divulging further. Soto has appeared in seven games this season, slashing .355/.412/.516 with one home run, five RBI, an 8.8% walk rate, a 17.6% strikeout rate, and 162 wRC+. He has been hitting out of the No. 2 spot, but if the injury is as serious as Mendoza feared, he could be sidelined for at least Saturday's contest against the Giants. If so, we could see more playing time for
Carson Benge and
Tyrone Taylor.
--Andersen PickardSource: John Harper
April 4, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks in 34 minutes during Friday's 115-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The former MVP shot just 6-of-17 from the field but still delivered strong category production with his all-around stat line. Embiid remains an elite fantasy anchor whenever active thanks to his scoring, rebounding, and defensive impact, though availability remains the main concern for fantasy managers.
Tyrese Maxey,
Paul George (knee), and
VJ Edgecombe should continue handling larger offensive roles when Embiid sits or is limited.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 4, 2026
Atlanta Hawks guard
CJ McCollum totaled 25 points, seven assists, and four three-pointers in 25 minutes during Friday's 141-107 win over the Brooklyn Nets. He shot 8-of-12 from the field and provided efficient scoring and playmaking. Over his last five games, McCollum has averaged 18.2 points, 4.6 assists, 2.6 rebounds, 2.4 three-pointers, and 1.0 steals in 30.6 minutes. He remains a steady fantasy option for points and assists, while
Nickeil Alexander-Walker and
Jalen Johnson carry more of the offensive load.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 4, 2026
New York Knicks center
Mitchell Robinson started in place of
Karl-Anthony Towns (elbow) and delivered 17 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and one block in 23 minutes during Friday's 136-96 win over the Chicago Bulls. He shot a perfect 7-of-7 from the field while providing his usual defensive presence. Robinson remains a strong category league option when starting, thanks to his rebounding, field-goal percentage, and defensive stats. If Towns misses additional time, Robinson should remain a strong streaming candidate, while
Ariel Hukporti could continue to handle backup center minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 4, 2026
Orlando Magic center
Wendell Carter Jr. delivered 28 points, six rebounds, and three assists in 36 minutes during Friday's 138-127 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Carter shot 8-of-16 from the field and a perfect 10-of-10 from the free-throw line while setting a new season high in scoring. He has now scored in double figures in 12 of his last 13 games and continues to provide efficient scoring around the basket. Carter remains a solid category league center thanks to his steady role alongside
Paolo Banchero and
Desmond Bane.
--Brian DailisanSource: Jason Beede
April 4, 2026
Orlando Magic guard/forward
Desmond Bane finished with 27 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals in 33 minutes during Friday's 138-127 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Bane shot 8-of-13 from the field and 3-of-5 from three while adding eight free throws. He has now scored at least 20 points in three of his last five games and is averaging 20.4 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.4 three-pointers during that span. Bane remains a strong fantasy starter in all formats, providing steady scoring and across-the-board production alongside
Paolo Banchero and
Franz Wagner.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 4, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Cooper Flagg erupted for a career-high 51 points in Friday's 138-127 loss to the Orlando Magic, adding six rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block in 34 minutes. The rookie became the youngest player in NBA history to score at least 50 points. Flagg has averaged 26.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.4 steals over his last five games and continues to carry Dallas offensively. He's an automatic start in all fantasy formats and continues to provide elite multi-category production during his recent surge.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 4, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Andrew Wiggins (toe) is available for Saturday's game against the Washington Wizards and should continue to fill a steady two-way role. Wiggins has averaged 13.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.4 blocks, and 2.6 three-pointers over his last five games while shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 77.8 percent from the line. Wiggins remains useful in category leagues, particularly for defensive stats and strong percentages in standard formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 4, 2026
Detroit Pistons point guard
Marcus Sasser (hip) is considered probable for Saturday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The 25-year-old is nursing a right hip strain but will likely be available to make his sixth consecutive appearance. With
Cade Cunningham (lung) on the shelf, Sasser has had a chance to carve out a larger role. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened, as Sasser has been limited to 5.2 points and 2.7 assists in 12.6 minutes per game since Cunningham departed the lineup.
Daniss Jenkins will remain the main beneficiary of Cunningham's absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 4, 2026
Washington Wizards forward
Justin Champagnie (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Miami Heat. He was added to the injury report late with a right knee contusion. Champagnie has had a few strong outings recently, including a 17-point, seven-rebound effort in Wednesday's loss to Philadelphia. If Champagnie is unavailable against the Heat,
Jamir Watkins and
Leaky Black will get a chance to contribute more. However, neither is very reliable in fantasy.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 4, 2026
Washington Wizards forward/center
Tristan Vukcevic (knee) is questionable for Saturday's matchup with the Miami Heat. The 23-year-old has been a starter in each of the last three games, but he might have to make way now in the lineup due to a right knee contusion.
Alexandre Sarr (toe) is also questionable, so
Julian Reese may get a new opportunity to impress. The Maryland product has averaged 13.8 points and 13.0 rebounds over his last five outings. Due to his two-way status, the Wizards have used Reese in only one of the last four games. However, starting Saturday, Reese is eligible to suit up for all of Washington's remaining games this season, so he might have a regular role for the rest of the way.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 4, 2026
Washington Wizards point guard
Trae Young (back, quadriceps) will miss a 10th straight game on Saturday against the Miami Heat. Young made five appearances with his new squad before sustaining a right quadriceps contusion in mid-March. He is also dealing with lower back pain. With only a week left in the regular season, it appears likely that Young's return won't happen until the 2026-27 campaign.
Bub Carrington and
Sharife Cooper will continue to split the point guard duties in Saturday's game. Carrington holds the starting job and has enjoyed a good nine-game stretch, with averages of 14.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 4, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Jahmai Mashack (neck) didn't complete Friday's blowout loss to the Toronto Raptors. He had two points, one rebound, and one assist in 14 minutes during the first half but didn't play in the second. The team initially announced that Mashack was doubtful to return due to neck soreness. Mashack has been among the many players who have benefited from the Grizzlies' injuries this season, but his neck issue might now keep him sidelined. Memphis will return to action on Sunday against Milwaukee.
--Taavi PailkSource: Memphis Grizzlies PR
April 4, 2026
Houston Rockets forward/center
Jabari Smith Jr. (face) left Friday's win over the Utah Jazz in the third quarter and didn't return. According to The Athletic's Will Guillory, Smith Jr. went to the locker room after taking a shot to the face from teammate
Amen Thompson. Before leaving the action, Smith Jr. notched 18 points, five rebounds, and one steal in 24 minutes. Although Smith Jr. doesn't appear to be dealing with a serious injury, fantasy managers should keep an eye on his status before Sunday's contest against Golden State.
Tari Eason and
Josh Okogie could get more action if Smith Jr. doesn't play on Sunday.
--Taavi PailkSource: Will Guillory
April 3, 2026
New York Mets outfielder
Juan Soto (calf) was forced to make an early exit from Friday's game against the San Francisco Giants. Soto reached on base with a single in the first inning. However, the superstar slugger appeared to have tweaked his right calf while running the bases later that inning. The severity of the issue is unknown right now, but Soto will likely undergo further testing. For the moment, fantasy managers should consider Soto as day-to-day.
Tyrone Taylor took over in left field on Friday and could be in line for a few starts, assuming Soto misses time.
--Andy WebbSource: New York Mets
April 3, 2026
Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher
Emilio Pagan was tasked with shutting down the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning of Friday's game. It has been a rocky start for Pagan, but he was able to bounce back nicely on Friday. The right-hander tossed a perfect final frame and recorded one strikeout on his way to earning his second save of the season. This was a strong bounce-back outing after Pagan allowed four earned runs during Wednesday's game. Fantasy managers should stick with him despite a slow start to the season.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
April 3, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Daniel Vladar made 21 saves and allowed just one goal in a 4-1 victory over the New York Islanders on Friday. Only Jean-Gabriel Pageau was able to beat him with a wrist shot late in the second period. Vladar is putting up the best stats of his career this year with a 24-13-7 record, 2.47 goals against, and a .905 save percentage.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
April 3, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher
Gregory Soto was called upon to close the door against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday. Soto was tasked with holding a two-run lead versus the tough Orioles offense. The southpaw gave up a home run to
Gunnar Henderson, but was able to limit the damage. The solo homer was his only hit allowed as Soto was able to record three strikeouts and earn his first save of the season. It's a small sample size, but it looks like Soto could be the favorite for saves in Pittsburgh. He has recorded 11 strikeouts across 5.2 innings of work this season.
Dennis Santana was used during the eighth inning on Friday and figures to be in the mix for saves as well. This might end up being a headache for fantasy managers, but Soto appears to be a possible source for saves right now.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
April 3, 2026
San Francisco Giants infielder
Casey Schmitt (back) has been scratched from the starting lineup ahead of Friday's game against the New York Mets. Schmitt has been pulled from the lineup due to back tightness. This doesn't seem like something that will sideline him long, so fantasy managers should consider Schmitt as day-to-day.
Jerar Encarnacion will take over at first base and bat ninth in place of Schmitt on Friday. Fantasy managers should check back on Saturday for another update, but Schmitt isn't someone who needs to be rostered in most fantasy formats at the moment.
--Andy WebbSource: Alex Pavlovic
April 3, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers right winger Matvei Michkov scored one goal and collected two assists as the Flyers defeated the New York Islanders 4-1 in a key divisional matchup on Friday. His goal came in the second period and gave Philadelphia a 3-0 lead, which they had no problem holding on to. The second-year winger has scored 20 fewer points this year than last year, but he still has decent numbers with 17 goals, 43 points, and 67 penalty minutes.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
April 3, 2026
New York Mets infielder
Jorge Polanco (Achilles) reportedly suffered a setback in his recovery from his left Achilles tendinitis. With that being said, Polanco is being held out of the starting lineup ahead of Friday's game against the San Francisco Giants. The veteran slugger has been serving as the designated hitter while battling through this issue. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Mets place Polanco on the Injured List, so he can get fully healthy.
Mark Vientos has been logging in extra at-bats with Polanco missing time due to this injury. It hasn't helped too much, considering Vientos only has three hits coming into Friday's game. Vientos remains a mixed league option even with an expanded role.
--Andy WebbSource: Mike Puma
April 3, 2026
New York Yankees starting pitcher
Gerrit Cole (elbow) continues to make progress in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. The veteran right-hander was able to make two starts during Spring Training. Since then, Cole has thrown a live batting practice session on April 1. The plan is for Cole to continue ramping up his activities before eventually beginning a minor league rehab assignment. The Yankees are hopeful that Cole will be ready to pitch for the big league team by the end of May. The six-time All-Star hasn't pitched since the 2024 campaign, but is one of the best in the game when he's healthy.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
April 3, 2026
Minnesota Twins outfielder
Byron Buxton (forearm) was forced to make an early exit from Friday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Buxton was pulled out of the game after taking a fastball to the right forearm in the seventh inning. Luckily, the X-rays were negative, so Buxton is considered day-to-day with a forearm contusion. Before exiting the game, Buxton went 0-for-3 at the plate.
James Outman replaced him on Friday and is considered the favorite to replace Buxton if he misses more time.
--Andy WebbSource: Audra Martin
April 3, 2026
Detroit Pistons forward/center
Isaiah Stewart (calf) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. After Stewart injured his left calf in mid-March, he was initially expected to miss one week, but he hasn't been able to make a quick return. Saturday's game will mark his 12th consecutive absence.
Paul Reed will continue to fill in for Stewart as
Jalen Duren's backup. The former G League MVP has averaged 11.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks over his last five outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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